Big Tree Country >> Places to See >> Perth & Blairgowrie >> Scone Palace

Scone Palace

The palace has been a focus of Scottish History for many years, having been the crowning place of Kings between the 9th and 16th centuries and the original home of the Stone of Destiny.

Information

Aerial view of Scone Palace © Scone Palace

David Douglas, the most famous of Scotland’s plant hunters, was born at Scone and worked at the palace as a gardener.

In the grounds today is a magnifient Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) raised from the original seed he sent back from America in 1827.

The latin name for the Douglas fir was coined by David Douglas specifically to acknowledge his debt to an earlier collector, Archibald Menzies, who saw it first – on his voyage to what is now Oregon and the state of Washington – as surgeon-botanist on HMS Discovery.

A nearby pinetum contains spectacular conifers, many planted over 150 years ago. Avenues of towering North American giants – such as wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) , noble fir (Abies procera) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) – form a dramatic and dominant designed landscape.

A second pinetum is only a few years old with its young trees providing a fascinating contrast to the towering giants beside them.

The grounds also contain a number of trees planted by a variety of historical and still living figures.

Directions

2.5 miles/ 4 km north of Perth, off the A93. Scone Palace entrance is clearly identified.

Facilities

Car parking is extensive and provides for coaches and designated disabled bays.
Toilets and refreshments are provided at the palace in addition to nearby services in both Perth & Scone.

Opening Times

Palace and grounds open daily 1st April - 31st October.

Prices

Palace and grounds - Adults: £9.60; children: £6.80; concessions: £8.60; families: £27.50.
Grounds only - Adults: £5.50; concessions: £4.90; children: £3.75.